August Author Spotlight

Next up is Rebecca Colby, a picture book author and poet from England. Before writing for children, Rebecca inspected pantyhose, taught English in Taiwan, worked for a Russian comedian and traveled the world as a tour director. We’ve included a link to a fun scavenger hunt at the end of this post, so be sure to read carefully for clues. But first, welcome to Rebecca!
Please share a little about your books.Thank you for inviting me to join you on your blog today, Marcia. You know, even though it’s been almost 18 months since my first book came out, I still have to pinch myself when I’m asked that question as I can’t believe the dream of publishing my work has come true.

I write picture books and poetry and both of my published books feature some rhyme. The latest book, It’s Raining Bats & Frogs, has only just released with Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan) and is illustrated by Steven Henry. It’s about a young witch named Delia, who has been looking forward all year to flying in the annual Witch Parade. But when parade day brings heavy rain and threatens the parade, Delia decides to take action. Using her best magic, she changes the rain to cats and dogs. But that doesn’t work too well! Then hats and clogs. That doesn’t work either! Each new type of rain brings a new set of problems and Delia has to find another way to save the day.

My debut book, There was a Wee Lassie who Swallowed a Midgie, came out in March 2014 with Floris Books and was illustrated by Kate McLelland. It’s a Scottish twist on the much-loved rhyme about the old lady who swallows a fly. In it, the wee lassie swallows a succession of Scotland’s favorite creatures to catch that pesky midgie—including a puffin, a Scottie dog, a seal, and even Nessie. But you’ll have to read the book to find out whether or not wee lassie finally eats her fill.

Breaking news from Marcia:I’ve just learned that Rebecca has sold yet another picture book manuscript. Keep your eyes peeled for Motor Goose and CONGRATULATIONS, Rebecca, that’s AMAZING!Now back to our previously scheduled interview. 🙂

How has where you’ve lived or traveled influenced your work?

Anything that is experienced by a writer can influence their work, and that’s certainly the case for me. While I feel most of my work is influenced by my childhood upbringing in the States, There was a Wee Lassie who Swallowed a Midgie probably wouldn’t have come about if I hadn’t traveled regularly to Scotland as a tour director in the past. Also, my recent release, It’s Raining Bats & Frogs, was very much influenced by the rainy weather we have where I live in England.

Could you briefly tell us your writing process?

I spend a lot of time staring at blank pieces of paper. I started this bad habit as a teenager, falsely believing that I could channel a talented, deceased writer to do all the hard work for me. Sadly, this process never worked, so instead, I try to come up with a catchy title and plan a book around the title.

I don’t necessarily recommend this process, but it works for me. In part, it works because I’m so enthused about my title, that I find any way possible to make it work. I believe it also works for me because I allow myself plenty of time to ruminate on that title. I don’t push myself to write too quickly. I sit and day dream. Or I go for a long, meditative walk. This is not a luxury I allowed myself when I first started writing. I felt all writing time had to be spent doing just that—writing, and getting words down on the page. But with time, I’ve realized the wisdom of ample thinking time in advance of writing. And the thinking time really does pay off! (And here’s your pay off—if you’re playing the scavenger hunt, Agatha is one of the answers.)

What advice would you give to new authors hoping to become published?Plan to do lots of reading, lots of writing, surround yourself with like-minded individuals, and don’t ever give up! It’s easy to become impatient with the publishing industry and frustrated with the many rejections that come with the job. You’ve got to take the long-term view, have faith in yourself and your work, and the determination to not give up on your dream no matter how long it takes. The best thing I ever did for my own career was join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and to find a good critique group. Both of them have been instrumental in pushing my writing to the next level and connecting me with people in the publishing industry.

favorite book = This is an impossible question for me to answer. Like my children, I have more than one and they’re very different but I love them equally. Anything on my bookshelf by travel writer and humourist, Bill Bryson, is bound to be well-loved but one of my favorite children’s books has always been The Lorax.favorite movie= The Sound of Music. It’s one of the first films I remember seeing as a child and one that never grows old. My own children love it now too.favorite vacation = We took a family cycling trip around the Netherlands that was pretty fantastic! I’m generally up for going anywhere that I haven’t visited before but preferably somewhere with lots of outdoor activities and hiking.favorite hobby = Hmm…I’d like to say it’s writing but I’d be lying because I’d far rather be dancing.favorite color= Fuschia pink! The brighter the better.

If you weren’t a children’s book author, what career(s) would you like to try?Ooh, there’s so many to choose from (and dare I say, so many I’ve already tried)! Top of the list would be a drummer in a country western band, a dance choreographer, or a screenwriter. I just need to learn to play the drums first!

Thanks for your fun answers, Rebecca. I’m looking forward to that percussion act. Keep in touch with Rebecca via these links: websiteTwitter and in case you were sharp enough to catch a clue, here’s the link to herScavenger Hunt.To answer your question–are there prizes?–YES!

What great picture books, and I love the sound of Motor Goose! I’ve had the title for a picture book in my head for awhile, Chili Duck, and it’s not going anywhere fast. Guess I just need to do some more ruminating and daydreaming on it! =)

I enjoyed getting to know Rebecca Colby in another one of your great Author’s Spotlight! Rebecca’s books look so much fun! Rebecca’s sense of humor and zest for life comes through in your interview! Her books must be very fun to read! I love the illustrations too! I have a collection of picture books and would love to have her books be a part of it! I will look into that! Being a retired preschool teacher, I know first hand, how a well written and illustrated picture book can make a child very happy! Thank you Marcia for another great Author’s Spotlight Post and congratulations to Rebecca on her new book and of her other books. We should all day dream a little more in our lives! 🙂

Great interview! The more I learn about you, Rebecca, the more I think our writing process is very similar. The only difference I’ve seen was in another interview where you said you didn’t have to have quiet. I have to have quiet. Anyway, you know I’m a huge fan. Love your sense of humor and your stories are all ones I’d have on my shelves even if you weren’t a treasured critique partner!

There was a Wee Lassie who Swallowed a Midgie is such a fabulous title – I just have to get a copy for my granddaughters.

Walking and thinking are far better activities than staring at a blank piece of paper, although when trying to write a blog post I often find myself staring at a blank screen waiting for words to appear. They never do, so it’s a walk and/or a cup of tea and usually something will start to come together in my brain. I have so much admiration for writers.

I’m excited by the thought of a scavenger hunt and am on my way there now.xx

Another great interview. I love discovering and being inspired by new children’s book authors, especially those who write picture books! Thanks for the posted tips. I’ll have to read Rebecca Colby’s books.

Marcia- Thanks for hosting this piece of Rebecca’s blog tour! It gave me a chance to visit YOUR website, to which I plan to return. Congrats on the success of your two AMY books…I will be recommending them to my 7th grade granddaughter! And… I love coastal Maine, too!
Rebecca- It was fun to learn a little more about you as a person and author. Thanks for validating my practice of sometimes starting with a title and then discovering the story.
I’ll watch for you at NESCBWI!

As a native New Englander who vacationed near Brunswick every summer as a child, I’m very partial to the Maine coast also! I know one of the organizers of the NESCBWI conference, and wish so much that I could attend but unfortunately, living on the other side of the Atlantic now, it’s not going to be possible. Enjoy the conference and I’m glad to hear you also sometimes start with a title! Cheers, Charlotte!

“Strykowski ably depicts Amy’s insecurity and self-doubt, Craig’s bravura and pain, and Miss Cogshell’s wisdom with a deft, convincing touch. In essence, Amy comes of age as she fights to find her voice in the outside world and shed some of her debilitating insecurity. Readers will cheer her on, and her splendid team, too.” –BOOKLIST

"The protagonist grows throughout the story, from a shy loner to having two friends and speaking her mind in front of her adversaries at school as well as to the whole town. …Amy is a reliable narrator and easily relatable.” –SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

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More Praise

“To do a good deed, we can find friendship in the most curious of locations. “Call Me Amy” is a novel from Marcia Strykowski following the struggles of Amy Henderson, who finds an injured seal and seeks to nurse it, with the help of a scorned aging woman and an unusual youth. Set in the early 70s and exploring the essence of loneliness, “Call Me Amy” is a powerful read that should prove so very hard to put down, highly recommended.”—MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

“This is a wonderful YA tale for the simple fact that it shows one and all that the power and courage to stand up and be heard in this life comes from within. And that no matter who you are, you have that toughness inside your soul. Craig has a lovely heart that hides behind that sarcasm he aims at the world, and he will remind every small town girl about that quiet boy she fell in love with long ago. ‘Old Coot’ brings the fun and humor along with her, and Pup is the sweetest creature in the world. Having all the ingredients of first love, faith, loss and strength makes ‘Amy’ unforgettable.” —FEATHERED QUILL

“For Amy, 1973 has been a lonely year, her only friend moved away and she feels awkward around her classmates. Until one day Amy discovers that Craig, another classmate, has rescued an injured seal pup. Amy agrees to help him and together they hide the pup at Miss Cogshell’s house, the odd old lady most kids call “Old Coot.” Amy learns that people aren’t always what they seem to be, and she forms a friendship with Craig and Miss Cogshell. A great story about friendship and doing what you think is right.” —KIDSBOOKSHELF

“For those ages 8 to 12, Call Me Amy by Marcia Strykowski will resonate with familiar themes of growing up. The year is 1973 and for Amy Henderson, it has been a lonely one with too many awkward moments to count. When she finds an injured seal pup, she rescues him to rehabilitate him. In the process she forms an unlikely alliance with Craig, a boy around her age, and an older woman in town. With their help she discovers that people aren’t always what they seem despite what others may think of them. This is a story filled with many elements that will appeal to younger readers and I highly recommend it.”—BOOKVIEWS.COM

"A wounded seal pup propels 13-year-old Amy Henderson into an unlikely alliance with an unusual older woman and a mysterious boy in a small Maine fishing village. Readers will cheer for Amy as she protects Pup, gains confidence, faces challenges, and comes up with an idea that could change not only the future of her village, but also, her own life. With a skillful hand, Strykowski introduces us to a small town with memorable characters and the girl who could bring them all together." ---Anne Broyles, award-winning author of PRISCILLA AND THE HOLLYHOCKS

"In a small town in Maine in the 1970's, Amy is standing on the brink of becoming a young adult. The events that will force her to discover who she is, what she is made of and how she wants others to perceive her are sweetly told through awkward teenage moments, the triumphs and sadnesses of that age and ultimately, Amy's discovery of her own beliefs, strength and courage." ---Kathleen Benner Duble, acclaimed author of THE SACRIFICE

“Call Me Amy is exactly the type of book I love. The characters are relatable and likeable; they are individuals that the reader enjoys getting to know while watching them change and develop. The setting of the small Maine coastal town is idyllic, and the reader is quickly and completely immersed in this community. Although the novel takes place in the 1970s, it feels timeless. Young readers will readily associate with Amy’s struggles and triumphs with her relationships with family and friends, and mature readers will be gently nudged back to this period in their life. These universal qualities make this novel a perfect choice for many types of readers. As a Youth Services Librarian, I would enthusiastically recommend Call Me Amy to our young patrons as well as to a more adult audience. Because it can be enjoyed on so many levels, this novel would be an ideal source of discussion for an adult/child book group.” ---Patty Falconer, Youth Services Librarian

"I just finished CALL ME AMY and I think it is wonderful with beautiful descriptions. I love the characters and their story. It is like having seen a good play or movie and later, while you are doing other things, it comes back to you and you think about the characters again." ---Peggy Arnold, retired teacher and avid reader.

For 13-year-old Amy Henderson, 1973 has been a lonely and uneventful year in her small Maine fishing village. With the help of a wounded seal pup, she gets to know Craig, who slinks around in an oversized army jacket. A new law against handling wild marine mammals brings suspense to the story. Where can they keep Pup until he heals? Their only hope is to trust Miss Cogshell, an elderly woman keeping to herself amidst jeers from the local kids, who catches them sneaking Pup into her woodshed in the middle of the night. Throughout the book, small challenges prepare Amy for her greatest one of all. A challenge that leads her to discover that everyone, herself included, has a voice worth hearing.